The Clippers are on their way to the Motor City to take on a Pistons team on the rise. As Cade Cunningham continues his dominance, this team has turned themselves into real playoff contender. The Clippers, on the other hand, have been steady as a middle-of-the-road team. They might not be making huge waves, but they have the talent to beat almost anyone.
Ben Simmons Questionable
Kawhi Leonard Questionable
Norman Powell Questionable
Jaden Ivey Out Season
Simone Fontecchio Questionable
The Clippers have been one of the most middle-of-the-road teams around. They've been a tough team to call with injuries, rest, and inconsistency in the roster. Currently, they're on a three-game losing streak. They'll need everyone available for tonight's game to take on a hot Detroit group. With Simmons, Leonard, and Powell missing yesterday's game against the Pacers, it’s hard to know who will show up tonight.
Regardless, even with most of their starters, Detroit looks like the better bet tonight. They have been incredible lately, winning their last six games. Cade has taken over, but he’s also gotten some help. Beasley and Harris have been putting in solid efforts, and Duren has been a key player in the post. The group is shaping up nicely as the vets continue to help this young group rise.
In terms of the game matchup, the Clippers could be an issue for Detroit. They have an elite defensive core when everyone is healthy. The addition of Ben Simmons has made that even more evident. Up and down this roster, they have effective multiple-position defensive options. Scoring-wise, the Clippers might struggle with Powell questionable to play. If all of the scoring is on the back of Harden, it might be too much for him without a role player stepping up. Either way, though, Detroit will have the advantage in scoring.
Overall, the Pistons just match up better against the Clippers. They have an effective shot blocker in Duren, the best guard in the game in Cade, and a linty of quality role players. Detroit is an easy grab, especially with the Clipper’s player health in question.
Money line: LAC (-110) / DET (-110)
Total Points: 223.5
Spread: +1 LAC (-115) / -1 DET (-105)
Detroit feels like the more consistent team tonight. They’ve been healthier and are on a solid six-game win streak. The Clippers do have the talent to hang with most teams, but considering the injuries they’re dealing with, they’re not quite at the peak of their powers. Considering this is just a pick’em at the moment, Detroit feels safer.
Looking at this win streak Detroit is on, they have been absolutely running up the score. With multiple games above 130 points, the only thing this line needs is for LA to score 100 points, which they’ve been consistently doing.
NBA spreads a 1 point always feels like a wash. I’d take the Detroit line just because you get slightly better odds over the money line. Otherwise, just stay away from this line.
Cade has been on a scoring tear in the new year. He’s been putting up 30+ point games almost every night, and with the Clippers backcourt already looking compromised, he could feast tonight.
James Harden might be missing a few of his co-stars, Leonard and Powell, with both missing yesterday's game with the Pacers. Now, going to Detroit, both players are up in the air. If they’re unavailable, expect to see the full James Harden Show. With 25 double-doubles this year, he’ll have a great chance to hit his numbers.
Even with Zubac as the leading rebound on this team, while averaging 15 points a game, too, he’ll likely come up short tonight. He’ll probably still hit his rebounding total, but I expect that Duren in the paint might eat into his scoring efficiency.
This is just a fun line. Tim Hardaway isn’t a high-volume rebounder in the slightest; he’s normally running the floor before the rebounds are secured. However, at +145 odds, it feels like an interesting line to grab.